Heirloom Scroll
Artistic Statement: Link
Presentation: Prototyping presentation
Milestone One:
Mood Board:
Milestone Two:
Conceptual Visualization:
Milestone Three:
Process ( full process and videos are in the presentation) :
- Plastic bag fusing:
In order to create the main part of the scroll, we incorporated a method used in one of our previous labs. We intentionally used thicker plastic bags as a base and thin white plastic as the top. This made it easier to write on the scroll, and it would have served the purpose of making laser engraving possible, which was the aim of our project if we had the proper equipment.
- Injection molding:
Using the extruder machine, we managed to create two plastic beams made out of shredded plastic. They served the purpose of holding the scroll from the top and bottom. It also added to the aesthetics of the scroll.
- Pressing Plastic:
This method was used in order to create two knobs/holds to maintain the beams in their place. They were screwed on and can be easily removed for the convenience of the user.
Class Reflection:
Before getting into the details of our final project, I want to quickly reflect on my experience during this class. I walked in very uninformed and ignorant about the basic problems surrounding the topics of plastic and sustainability. I chose to be uninformed because I was lazy to change aspects of my life, however, enough is enough. This class provided me with valuable and surprising information that affected my daily life. The huge amounts of petroleum used to create an unnecessary plastic bottle that is discarded after one use is both detrimental to the environment and to the limited reserves of petroleum left. The plastic material that makes the very clothes we wear every day was also shocking. The amounts of plastic that cannot be recycled, and the false advertisement and recycling initiatives that. All of this was information that will be passed from me to family and friends as I am very much disgusted at the efforts major companies, and individuals are putting in.
Project Description:
Arab homes are decorated with cultural and historical pieces of art. The concept of family heirlooms is very common, and arabic calligraphy is exceptional. This is only a small part of the inspiration behind our project. We incorporated the concept of timeless products with the modern concept of recycled plastic to create a family scroll that can be passed down the generations. Every family can engrave a message and stamp it with their initials, then pass it down to the next. The easily accessible screws can be removed in order to infuse more plastic bags in order to create an infinite scroll that can last family generations. With beams made out of shredded plastic, paper made from plastic bags, and knobs made from pressing plastic, this family heirloom incorporated our two concepts together. In addition to the messages that will be passed down, the recycles aspect of the heirloom also highlights the importance of recycling.
Difficulties:
- plastic bags sticking to wax paper
- extruder machine not properly filling the mold
- molds in pressing plastic method stuck to melted plastic
- lack of equipment
Improvements:
- laser-engraved writing instead of marker
- measuring papers and beams to perfect size
- new molds for the beam to provide a better knob
Sources:
mood board: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/
https://preciousplastic.com/index.html
https://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/activities/precious-plastic-workshop
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